Opel Calibra Turbo | The Dream Coupe of the ‘90s

4 November 2024 Redazione Budget Cars, News

Words Vittorio Pinna / Photos Stellantis Media

In the early 1990s, a name began to strongly resonate in the European automotive landscape: Opel Calibra. In less than a year, this sports coupe achieved an unexpected success, becoming the best-selling model on the continent. The reason? A perfect mix of design, performance and technology, all at an affordable price.

Born on the Vectra sedan platform, the Calibra stands out for its sleek and aerodynamic lines, with a record-breaking air penetration coefficient (Cx 0.26), a design that does not sacrifice functionality, offering a spacious interior and a roomy trunk at the back, still with and an engine capable of transforming its decidedly sporty look into equally exciting performance.

In 1991, Opel presented the Turbo version, equipped with a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 204 hp, combined with a 6-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drive. With a top speed of 245 kph, the Calibra Turbo is at the top of its category, challenging much more famous models. The Calibra’s turbo engine is a gem of engineering. Derived from the 16-valve already used on other models of the brand, it offers extraordinary performance, with acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in just 6.8 seconds. The all-wheel drive also guarantees exceptional grip on any road surface, giving the driver unparalleled driving pleasure and the confidence to push closer to man and machine limits. And that’s not all, as the car is equipped with a sophisticated all-wheel drive system that, thanks to a multi-disc clutch, automatically disengages rear-wheel drive when braking, ensuring maximum stability.

The Opel Calibra Turbo was much more than just a car. It was a dream, an emotion, a symbol of an era. A car that was able to conquer the hearts of an entire generation of enthusiasts, thanks also to its successful career in the world of motorsport, especially in the DTM. Today we would do anything to have similar models in our price list, but fortunately there are those who have been farsighted and have kept their Calibra and can use it to its full potential, remembering how not too long ago, a car perfectly suited to everyday life could also be beautiful and fun.